The Licchavis invaded Nepal from northern India and overthrew the declining Soma Dynasty that briefly succeeded the Kiratis. They re-imposed Hinduism and the caste system, which continues to this day. The Lichhavi period was a golden age of Nepali art and architecture and they are credited with building some of Kathmandu's great landmarks such as the Changu Narayan temple of Vishnu pictured here and also the majestic Buddhist stupas (shrines) at Boudhanath, Swayembunath and Chabhil.